From Saul to Paul

Introduction

The transformation from Saul to Paul is often talked about and written about. Yet there may still be something we can learn or see afresh by looking at it again.

I was struck by this change most recently as I started reading Colossians again. So struck by Paul’s introduction that I decided to dig deeper into this transformation. That is what we are going to look at in this study. We will attempt to tackle 3 main areas:

1. What was Saul like and what was the core of his identity?

2. What was Paul like and what was the core of his identity?

3. The impact of an encounter with Jesus

From this point we can look at what we do in response.

What was Saul like?

To attempt to answer our first question we are going to look at a number of passages, starting with Acts 9.

• V 1-2: Saul has letters allowing him to find and imprison followers of Jesus

• V 13: Saul is known! Ananias, a Christian and Godly man is aware of the risk of meeting Saul

Jumping ahead to Acts 26 we see, in verses 9-11, that Saul was actively persecuting the Church; we see here his passion and drive.

As we read some of Paul’s letters we get more hints at what Saul was like.

• 1 Tim 1:13 and 15: He was a blasphemer, a violent man, the worst of sinners. This, at least is Paul’s understanding of Saul

• Gal 1: 13-14: He was very proud of his heritage, defensive of tradition, diligent, and zealous.

Back in Acts, in chapter 22 verses 3-5 we see that his identity was tied up in tradition and heritage. It’s no wonder he was so zealous for it and defensive of it. The zeal that Paul writes of in Galatians would, most likely, have been violent in nature. For Saul Judaism was a set of religious activities, not merely beliefs. Remembering this is going to be key in understanding Paul (Paul A biography, Wright T, 2018).

What do we learn about Saul’s identity from these verses? They each give us a glimpse of what Saul was like; his character, his strengths and weaknesses, and the source from which he draws his identity.

From Acts 9 we see that Saul had a strength of conviction and the desire to follow through. Saul was not just all talk. It is clear that Saul was against Jesus and against believers but he didn’t sit around talking about it. He went out, taking action, Saul had met with the High Priest to obtain letters of permission granting him the right to imprison followers of Jesus.

We see that Saul was travelling from Jerusalem to Damascus, that’s a journey of over 280km. This is clearly commitment to his cause.

The response of Ananias in Acts 9: 13, ““Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem.” shows us that Saul had made a name for himself and those who believed in Jesus knew of Saul and the work he was undertaking.

From Galatians 1 and Acts 23 we see that Saul is proud of his heritage, he draws a lot of his self worth from that. This source of identity, couple with the characteristics we’ve seen leads to a man who is

• Diligent

• Passionate

• Studious

• Committed

• Proud

• Zealous

Having had a traditional Jewish upbringing and having received a high level of training Saul had a knowledge of the scriptures, and firm monotheistic believe. He will have had a sense of awe of God, this was carried deep within him. A sense of awe that he carried into his new life (Interpreter's Bible, 1979, vol 11, p 271).

What was Paul like?

To get a glimpse at Paul we are going to look at the following passages:

1. The introduction to almost all Paul’s letters, 1 and 2 Thessalonians don’t have the same introduction.

2. Gal 6: 14: boast only in Christ.

3. Reliant on God’s grace

Letter Introductions

In the first verse of almost every letter we see a clear introduction that follows the same pattern:

• Name -> calling -> caller

• Paul -> Apostle -> Christ and God’s will

Why is this so important? It is God who changes the name Saul to Paul as we will see soon. As Paul writes thus he is reminding himself, and his audience, that God has transformed him. This simple name change tells everyone that Paul is now reliant on God’s work not his own.

Then we see the calling; an Apostle, one sent by God. Again this puts Gond front and centre in Paul’s life. Finally Paul explicitly states that it is God who sent him. For example Galatians 1:1 Ephesians 1:1, Philippians 1:1, Colossians 1:1 Paul declares himself a servant, stating Jesus as Lord and Master. All of these show that God is in control. So in the opening to almost every letter Paul is stating who he is; in, by, and through Jesus Christ. The main foundation of Paul’s identity is Jesus, and the work of Jesus.

Boast only in Christ

This identity foundation is seen in Galatians 6: 14 where Paul, who previously as Saul has plenty to boast about, now declares that the cross of Christ is the only boast worthy thing because it is the vehicle of his change. When we read this alongside 2 Timothy 1: 3 we see that while Paul only boasts in Christ he does not throw away the good that comes from his heritage, recalling that his forefathers also served God.

As mentioned already Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians are the only two that start without credentials. Some commentators, such as Matthew Henry, point to the way the letter was written. These letters were written much more as a team effort and so Paul’s usual opening is not appropriate. Paul is avoiding elevating himself above his co-workers, Timothy and Silas. This is another sign of the transformation, Saul would have thrust himself above and beyond his peers, Paul is not position hungry.

In addition to Paul’s identity it is worth looking again at the character of the man. We’ve already seen a transformation from proud to humble, what else has changed? What has remained the same? These are questions we will look at in more detail in the rest of this study.

Reliant on God’s grace

2 Corinthians 11: 16 - 12: 10: This begins with Paul calling boasting foolish and to prove it he lists what has been through, and who he is. The finish is the high point; God’s grace is sufficient. God’s power in our weakness is where we need to live.

This idea of boasting in our weakness(2 Corinthians 12: 9) is so counter cultural. It seems like the exact opposite of what we are generally encouraged to do. Yet Paul says that is what he will do, he is modelling this behaviour for the church in Corinth, and for us today. But why?

So that Christ’s power may rest on us, and so that He may receive the glory, and the praise. This is tied in with boasting only in Christ.

Personal Question

1. Do you need to remind yourself of the work of Jesus in your life?

2. Take some time today to think of the work of Jesus in your life and give thanks for it, reminding yourself that you are His.

3. Where have you been focussed wrongly on your triumph? Where can you switch to boasting about Jesus?

The Transformation

We have looked, albeit very briefly, at some of what Saul was like, and some of what Paul was like, now we move on to the main focus of this study; the transformation. In looking at this we are hoping to uncover what changed, what stayed the same. The aim is to see that God uses people with the characteristics they already have, He made us and He knows us, and can sometimes just refocus us, this is what has happened with the transformation of Saul to Paul.

Saul was a man of conviction and passion, drive and zeal. He was working hard for his cause. Prepared to travel and keen to speak and act. This is clear from his active persecution of Christians. Paul remained a man of conviction and passion, drive and zeal. Paul travelled extensively, endured many hardships and spoke and acted to deliver the gospel to all. So we see that while there has been a great change from Saul to Paul we also see that God has kept some of the characteristics and strengths, simply repointing them.

For ourselves we can often look at what we consider our failings and wonder will they ever change. Perhaps God wants to repoint them not remove them. As an example, maybe all our energy is focussed on something of no lasting value. God may simply shift that focus for us. As a personal example I have a tendency towards obsession; if I start a new hobby I can become quickly obsessed with it. There’s an energy to that, and an excitement. God reminds me to point that energy to His word, and to prayer. There is nothing wrong with the hobby itself, but if it takes all my energy and focus then it has grown too large. God shifts my focus again back to Him. This ability to get deeply into something isn’t removed, it is repointed.

There are also character traits in Saul that God removes from Paul. These are pride and selfish ambition.

In Galatians 1: 13 -14 we see that Saul was proud of his heritage and proud of his own ability and achievements. This changes completely for Paul. Galatians 6:14:

“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ”

Paul knows that his heritage is now Christ, his efforts don’t count because Christ’s work is perfect and complete. As for selfish ambition, well Paul doesn’t show it, consider again the opening to first and second Thessalonians, Paul does not put himself above his coworkers. Further we see that while Paul has plans he lays them down to follow the calling of God, he alters his own plans to keep in step with the plans of God, Acts 16: 6-10.

From Saul to Paul there is incredible change. Repointing of passion, removal of selfishness and pride, giving a new direction, heritage, and humility. It is a remarkable turnaround.

Personal Question

1. What aspects of your character is God wanting to repoint toward Him?

2. What character traits is God helping you to leave behind?

The Story

Acts 9 gives us the story; here we see what brings about the change.

There can only be one cause for such a change; an encounter with Jesus. From this account in Acts 9 and from the account in Acts 26 we shall learn about this encounter and its lasting impact.

1. Jesus meets Saul where he’s at

2. Jesus uses obedient saints in the process

3. The encounter is arresting

4. Jesus is honest in his assessment

5. Jesus provides a new mission

6. Jesus identifies and connects with his people

7. Saul’s enemies become Paul’s friends, and Saul’s “friends” become Paul’s persecutors

Acts 9: 3-7 and Acts 26: 12-15

Saul is on the road, he is doing the work he thinks is right. He has companions with him, and presumably they think this course of action is right too. The encounter happens right there in the street. It isn't while Saul is looking for it quietly at home. Jesus breaks into Saul’s life, announcing himself front and centre and bringing transformation.

In the account in Acts 9 we see that Ananias is used by Go. As a brief detour, or aside, what can we learn from Ananias?

Ananias was listening

From the account in Acts 26 we know that Paul’s encounter was around noon and from that point he was days in the house on straight street. We don’t know what time of day God spoke to Ananias, we just know he was listening and was ready to engage with God.

Are we like that? Always listening, always ready to engage?

Ananias was unsure

When God brings the instruction Ananias questions it. A sort of “Are you sure it’s him you want? Does it have to be me you send?”

These sorts of questions are normal. Ananias is in a real relationship with the living God and engages with God with his own doubts.

It is better to engage than to ignore God or bury our doubts.

God responds and Ananias obeys

This is a beautiful conversation. God is firm in His instruction but clear in His reasoning. Just as Jesus meets Saul where he is at, so God meets Ananias where he is at.

Change for many

Ananias obeys and God uses him in the transformation of Saul. The result is many are saved both from potential persecution and also into God’s family. When we obey the impact is beyond what we might see or expect.

Getting back to our main theme, we see that Saul’s encounter is arresting.This is no warm fuzzy feeling for Saul. It is a halting, direct challenge.

• Acts 9: 3-4: A bright light and Saul falls to the ground

• Acts 9: 4-5: Jesus as a direct question. What is interesting here is that Saul is persecuting the believers, the followers of Jesus and Jesus asks “why are you persecuting me?” This is very much in line with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 25: 31-46.

• Acts 9 : 7-9: Saul obeys Jesus’ instruction in verse 6 and is in the house on Straight St, blind, for 3 days

• Acts 9: 15-16: Jesus arrests Saul for a purpose. This is not just so Saul can feel good. Rather this is about wider kingdom purposes. We need to be asking God what his wider kingdom purposes are for our lives.

• Acts 9: 17-19: Saul’s response is complete. He is a new man, with a new saviour, and a new purpose

Throughout this encounter we see that Jesus is honest in His assessment:

• Acts 9: 5: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”

• Acts 26: 15: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”

This is not dressed up, it is direct. It doesn’t try to make Saul feel good, it is honest and accurate. In this statement Jesus is summarising what he preached in Matthew 25: 31-46. Jesus is identifying with His people. Jesus is not a remote, uninvolved figurehead. Jesus is the loving God, He is with use and for us.

Finally in this encounter we see Saul receive a new mission. Next we will take a look at how that new mission uses some of the character of Saul and re-moulds and re-points or removes other attributes.

Personal Question

1. What is your transformation story? Take time to think about it and thank God for it

2. Who was key in your story? Send them a thank you and encourage them for their obedience

3. Take time to reflect on your story so far and to ask God to reveal His wider kingdom purpose for your life.

How God uses Paul

Looking at Paul’s letters and adventures we will see how God’s mission for Paul uses his God given strengths and abilities. In studying this we can learn something of GOd’s mission for ourselves.

Before we do that I should say that in broad terms the mission or calling God has for each of us is the same - make disciples. Jesus makes this clear in Matthew 25: 16-20. What we are really looking at for Paul’s life and our own, is where that happens and how we can go about it most effectively.

The following passages are the basis for this discussion, please take time to read them:

1. Colossians 1: 21 - 23

2. Colossians 1: 25 - 29

3. Colossians 2: 2 - 3

4. Acts 17: 16 - 34

One of the aspects of Paul’s character that we know well is his ability to reason and to present good arguments. In Acts 17: 16 - 34 Paul is in Athens and he is reasoning with those in the synagogue and the marketplace. This is a daily act for Paul, and in this he is using his God given ability to understand, and explain God’s truth. God has re-focussed him. Now, instead of trying to convince followers of Jesus to stop, he is explaining to all who do not know and follow Jesus that they should. His mission field and purpose have changed, but he is using the skills God gave him. This continues in the Areopagus. Paul is a man who can reason, argue, and persuade and so God is using him in this place of philosophy.

We have also seen how Paul is a committed and dedicated person who works tirelessly. This hasn’t changed with his conversion. In Col 1: 29 Paul describes his work as labour. The word for “labour” is kopiaõ and means to work and become tired. This is something that requires commitment. Earlier in Colossians we see what Paul is labouring for, verse 27 - to make known the mystery of Christ, and in verse 23 to encourage and disciple these people in the faith.

Paul is well positioned to reveal the mystery to the Gentiles because even though he is of very devout and orthodox Jewish heritage Jesus revealed himself at his conversion and commissioned him to reveal Christ to the Gentiles. Such a mystery requires revelation, and teaching it requires a capable mind; 2 things Christ has given Paul.

As Paul plants and supports local churches we see the clear value of the local church. Paul is working for God, on God’s plan. The local church is God’s plan. In each letter we see the hallmark of God’s work in Paul and the hallmark Paul is imparting to the local church. Each letter has this, and so should each community of believers.

At the start and end of each letter Paul says “grace and peace to you from Jesus”, or words to that effect. For example:

• Gal 1: 3; 6: 18

• Eph 1: 2; 6: 32-34

• Phil 1: v; 4: 23

• Col 1: 2; v: 18

This pattern of bookending with grace, peace, and love is in all Paul’s letters. This is the hallmark of his conversion, and the hallmark of all the churches he plants. It should be the hallmark of our lives and our churches.

This is also the context of his message, and the most important characteristic God has given him and that he is aiming to instil in each local church, and young leader.

Personal Question

1. Consider your gifts and skills, thank God for them and take time to rededicate them to Him.

2. Ask God what mission field He is giving you.

3. Ask God to shape you, re-point you, and use you effectively where He has placed you.